Oath of Allegiance (United Kingdom)
The Oath of Allegiance is a promise to be loyal to the British monarch, and his or her heirs and successors, sworn by certain public servants in the United Kingdom, and also by newly naturalised subjects in citizenship ceremonies. The current standard wording of the oath of allegiance is set out in the Promissory Oaths Act 1868.
King John signing Magna Carta at Runnymede
The English Bill of Rights
Elizabeth I in Parliament
James I and VI in the English Parliament
Traditionally an oath is either a statement of fact or a promise taken by a sacrality as a sign of verity. A common legal substitute for those who conscientiously object to making sacred oaths is to give an affirmation instead. Nowadays, even when there is no notion of sanctity involved, certain promises said out loud in ceremonial or juridical purpose are referred to as oaths. "To swear" is a verb used to describe the taking of an oath, to making a solemn vow.
Depiction of the legendary Swiss Rütli Oath taken by the representatives of the three founding cantons, declaring unity and freedom in eternal alliance
"Tennis Court Oath" by Jacques-Louis David.
The oath of the provisional triumviral regents of the Empire of Brazil in the Imperial Chapel in 1831, during a period known as the Período regencial.
Isabel, Princess Imperial takes oath as regent of the Empire of Brazil before the Imperial Senate, c. 1870.